Method and system for secure flexible software licensing

Abstract

When executing a licensing management application, data indicative of licensing privileges of a software application for simultaneous execution on a subset of a plurality of computers are received from a licensor of the software application. The data indicative of licensing privileges comprise data indicative of a licensing key. For each of a plurality of users a peripheral licensing device is provided and the data indicative of a licensing key are then stored in memory thereof. Data indicative of a total number of users—equal to a number of the subset—are determined and provided to the licensor, or storage of the licensing key is prevented, when the total number is greater than a predetermined number of the subset. After execution of the licensing management application and provision of each of the users with a respective peripheral licensing device, each of the users is enabled to execute the software application by interfacing the peripheral licensing device with one of the computers, after which the data indicative of a licensing key are retrieved and the software application is executed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The instant invention relates generally to software licensing, and more particularly to a method and system for secure flexible software licensing in multiple license applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Using present day technologies, software is, unlike manufactured goods, easily copied and distributed. Hence, software providers have to develop effective mechanisms for preventing unlawful copying and proliferation of proprietary software. Software is not purchased, but only licensed for use. Unfortunately, a software license is merely a legal mechanism and does not prevent unlawful copying and proliferation of proprietary software. A significant amount of software piracy occurs in commercial and institutional settings. In general, commercial and institutional licensees are vigilant about license compliance. However, even the most attentive system administrator is not able to prevent dishonest employees from copying software from a company compu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]performing one of providing the data indicative of the total number to a licensor of the software application and preventing storage of the licensing key when the total number is greater than a predetermined number of the subset.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, a software license is merely a legal mechanism and does not prevent unlawful copying and proliferation of proprietary software.

A significant amount of software piracy occurs in commercial and institutional settings.

However, even the most attentive system administrator is not able to prevent dishonest employees from copying software from a company computer for their personal benefit.

At present, software providers face the dilemma of effectively preventing unlawful copying and proliferation of their proprietary software whilst allowing flexible use of their proprietary software for their legitimate customers.

Particularly difficult is the prevention of unlawful copying in commercial and institutional settings.

As is evident, this type of software licensing is highly inflexible and cumbersome.

For example, an employee using a specific software application has to track down a computer with the specific software application installed when working at a different location within a corporation, resulting in a tedious and time wasting process of trial and error.

Managing fixed licenses requires a high degree of manual effort which escalates with the number of computers and licenses.

Unfortunately, while providing more flexibility, this type of software licensing has also its major disadvantages.

As is evident, such a process does not only result in a considerable delay in opening the software application but also puts a considerable strain on the corporate network due to increased traffic for the licensing process.

Furthermore, when the license server is down or when there is an interruption in the corporate network, it is impossible to open a licensed software application.

Another disadvantage of the floating licensing approach is the possibility that a user wants to open a software application and all licenses are used, i.e. the user is prevented from opening the software application.

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